The Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion celebrates the 2011 holiday season

DENVER — Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 — The Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion will commemorate the 2011 holiday season with decorations representing Colorado’s rich and diverse traditions. First Lady Helen Thorpe selected “Holiday Heritages” as this year’s theme to show how people of different faiths and backgrounds celebrate the winter season.

“The Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion is decorated to reflect the diverse heritages and history that have shaped Colorado,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “We want to encourage people to visit the historic home and enjoy the holiday spirit, joy and cheer.”

The Boettcher Mansion has holiday decorations from Asian, African, European, Native American, Latin American and other cultures. The display was designed by artist Karen Bozik. The mansion is open to the public for tours and visits, as well as for performances to highlight the season. “Holiday Heritages” traditional holiday displays and events include:

• Asian Holiday Decorations: Japanese tree ornaments.
• Arcinda: The Arts and Culture of Indonesia: Javanese tree ornaments. Javanese Gamelan and Kolintang musical performances will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Carriage House.
• Irish Christmas: Traditional elements featured during an Irish holiday season. An Irish story teller, joined by Celtic Dance and music, will tell how the cowboy and pioneers families settled in the Front Range area. The performances will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13, during the public tours in the Carriage House.
• Central Asia: Cultural artifacts from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Baluchistan, Iran and Turkmenistan.
• The Denver Kwanzaa Committee: Kwanzaa decorations.
• Denver March Pow Wow Inc. Native American decorations including tree ornaments by Native American children and wreaths. Native American Dance, music and singing performances will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, during the public tours in the Carriage House.
• Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys: International dolls display.
• Eastern European & Yugoslavian: Items on loan from the Gornick Slovenian Library and Museum in Pueblo.
• Eastern Indian: Decorations for Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
• The Great Wall Chinese Academy: Traditional Chinese origami created by elementary and high school students.
• Mexican Christmas: Mexican Christmas tree and nativity scene (Las Posadas).
• Mizel Museum: Hannukah display.
• Native American Decorations: Native American cultural artifacts.
• Slovak/Slovenia: Antique Slovenian accordion on loan from the Gornick Slovenian Library and Museum in Pueblo.
• Swedish Club of Denver: Traditional Swedish Christmas ornaments.

The Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion is open to the public and free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec.10 – 16. No reservations are accepted, but groups larger than 10 may wish to contact the Colorado Historical Society at (303) 866-3682, to inform them of their expected arrival time and numbers.